OPER vs VYM

Quick Verdict

VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.

Lower Fees: VYMHigher Returns: VYMMore Diversified: VYM

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricOPERVYMWinner
Expense Ratio0.20%0.04%
AUM$105M$79.0B
Dividend Yield4.36%2.86%
Holdings5568
YTD Return+2.21%+15.80%
1Y Return+3.95%+26.12%
3Y Return (annualized)+4.54%+18.25%
5Y Return (annualized)+3.68%+12.51%
Volatility (annualized)0.8%14.6%
Max Drawdown-3.0%-58.8%
Fund FamilyClearShares ETFsVanguard (US)
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionJul 10, 2018Nov 10, 2006

OPER vs VYM Performance

Clearshares Ultra-Short Maturity ETF (OPER) is a ETF from ClearShares ETFs and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year OPER returned +3.95% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, OPER is up 2.21% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.

Over three years, OPER compounded at +4.54% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +3.68% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.07% annualized vs +2.30%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 0.8% for OPER. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.

The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -3.0% for OPER and -58.8% for VYM. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.

The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.13. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

OPER charges 0.20% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $4 annually, a gap of $16 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, OPER currently yields 4.36% against 2.86% for VYM.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

OPER and VYM share 0 holdings out of 559 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, OPER or VYM?

OPER has an expense ratio of 0.20% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $16 per year of difference.

Which performed better, OPER or VYM?

Over the past year OPER returned +3.95% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), OPER annualized +2.30% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, OPER or VYM?

VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 0.8% for OPER. Worst drawdown: OPER -3.0% vs VYM -58.8%.

Should I hold both OPER and VYM?

OPER and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.13, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between OPER and VYM?

OPER and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 559 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, OPER or VYM?

OPER yields 4.36% while VYM yields 2.86%, so OPER currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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